The People of Introverts

to the unseen

1000+ clay heads

participatory clay sessions | art installation | performance

A platform for the invisible in people and society

And an exercise in being introverted together

Het Volk der Introverten (The People of Introverts) is a sculpted crowd made up of small clay heads with their eyes closed, created by many hands. Led by artist Mirthe Dokter(Pollif Projects), participants embark on a journey of self-discovery through their hands, with clay as their gentle ally.

By creating a shared moment of introversion, Mirthe seeks to make more room for this side of human nature in everyday life. The artwork also offers a platform for people who feel unseen.

introversion as strength

Introversion exists within every human being, yet in our modern world, it seems to be seen more as a weakness than a strength. The louder you speak, the more space youare given in the world we live in. Those who are pushed aside as a result quietly retreat into the cracks and crevices of society.

Mirthe, however, sees her own introverted nature as a source of strength. She believes that introversion holds the courage to develop one's own perspective and to dare tochange. Through The people of Introverts, she creates a platform for introversion in both people and society.

claysession and ceremonie

You can clay anywhere. Over the past few years, little heads have been made in refugee centers, at festivals, in museums, during scientific symposia, in secondary schools, community centers, living rooms, and many other places. The People of Introverts continues to grow. Sometimes by dozens, sometimes by thousands at a time.

Since 2020, this work has travelled from place to place. Every now and then, the little heads are returned to the earth. In 2024, for example, we organized a closing ceremony at the garden of Museum Arnhem for around 800 little heads. Accompanied by vocal ensemble music and stories from the accompanying register, we gave the heads a final resting place. Because the heads have not been baked, they will eventually disappear back into the ground, returning to the earth from which the clay came.

Ideas for expanding the project are always welcome. If this work resonates with you or your organization or initiative, or if you feel any need, please get in touch.

Exhibitions

2020 - Exhibition City Life - Museum Arnhem

2021 - Exhibition Hoogte 80 Festival Arnhem

2023 - Exhibition Galerie Beeldend Gesproken Amsterdam

2023 - Exhibition Tussen Grenzen Museum Arhem

2024 - Exhibition Expozaal GC Pianofabriek Sint-Gillis Brussel

2025 - Rerum Novarum feest Plantentuin Meise Brussel

2026 - Exhibition event Museum Nigth Fever BELvue Museum Brussel